Palmer Lake #2
Palmer Lake #2 is a concrete dam located in El Paso County, Colorado, built in 1904. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Palmer Lake #2
The primary purpose of Palmer Lake #2 is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Town Of Palmer Lake (local government). It impounds the N. Monument Ck near Palmer Lake.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 136 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 10 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 11 square miles. Completed in 1904, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/06/2022.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Colorado dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | El Paso |
| Nearest City | Palmer Lake |
| River/Stream | N. Monument Ck |
| Coordinates | 39.11334, -104.94057 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Length | 136 ft |
| Year Completed | 1904 (122 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 144 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | TOWN OF PALMER LAKE |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/06/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO00436 |
| Federal ID | CO00436 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |